[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO MARISSA WHITLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2001

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to give tribute to Marissa Whitley, 
who for the last year has been Miss Missouri Teen USA. On the night of 
August 22nd, this wonderful young lady was crowned Miss Teen USA 2001. 
For Marissa, who lives in my district, this coronation serves as a 
fitting accomplishment in a journey full of dedication and sacrifice.
  ``She's always been a leader since she was young'' according to 
Marissa's aunt, Karen McHaney. Mrs. McHaney should know as well as 
anyone. McHaney took three-year-old Marissa in after Marissa's mother 
passed away due to a cerebral hemorrhage. Marissa and her family met 
the challenges of her loss. She has worked hard to achieve her new 
title of Miss Teen USA. Marissa volunteered at the Ronald McDonald 
House and a local Boys and Girls Club while competing in and winning 
four pageant events. In addition to maintaining her rigorous schedule 
as Miss Missouri Teen USA, she was still prepared for college and 
scheduled to begin classes at St. Louis University this fall until this 
most recent ``detour.'' Her perseverance and vision to seek out and 
fulfill her dreams make Marissa an excellent role model not only for 
the young people of Missouri, but for youth across our country.
  Marissa's home town is Springfield, Missouri. She has been featured 
in local media stories as she worked to represent young American women. 
Marissa's hard work and dedication are worth recognition and I'm 
confident she will continue to use her position of leadership to set a 
positive example to young people. I know my colleagues in the United 
States Congress wish her well as she begins this part of her life's 
journey.

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